Both acclaim and controversy surrounded Beyoncé’s Best Country Album victory at the 67th Grammy Awards. Jay-Z’s previous criticism of the Recording Academy was also rekindled at this time.

At the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, Beyoncé took home the Best Country Album title for “Cowboy Carter.” The audience at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles gave her a standing ovation when Taylor Swift declared her the winner. But her victory also generated interest and conversation on the internet.

Beyoncé’s eyes widened as she sat there in shock as Swift read the title of the winning album. Before heading to the stage, she received encouragement from her husband, Jay-Z, and daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. She then gave them both an emotional hug.

Overcoming nominees Kacey Musgraves with “Deeper Well,” Chris Stapleton with “Higher,” Lainey Wilson with “Whirlwind,” and Post Malone with “F-1 Trillion,” Beyoncé emerged victorious in a crowded field. She embraced her family before taking the award, and the audience erupted in cheers.

Still in disbelief, the 43-year-old singer took the stage and gave a moving speech. Whoa. I honestly didn’t anticipate this. Whoa. I want to express my gratitude to God, my God, for allowing me to continue doing what I love after all these years. God, oh God. I want to express my gratitude to all of the amazing country musicians who agreed to release this album. We put a lot of effort into it,” she said.

Beyoncé urged others to push boundaries and “stay persistent” in following their passions, acknowledging that genres can occasionally limit artists. She emphasized that without the support of her family, friends, and fans, the album would not have been possible.